Federal Statues that Apply to SCORE

SCORE operates as a grantee of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA performs functions authorized by federally enacted laws.

• The federal laws that apply to SCORE are found in Chapter 14A of Title 15 of the United States Code (Small Business Act Section 8(b)). The provisions of that Act require the SBA to provide technical, managerial and informational aids to small business concerns.
• Section 637(b) of the Act authorizes the SBA to financially support SCORE to assist the SBA in the performance of its duties under the Act. This coverage does not extend to contractors or third parties.
• The Small Business Act allows the SBA to reimburse SCORE volunteers for all necessary out-of-pocket expenses incident to their SCORE services, as approved by the chapter, district and national levels.
• Title 42 United States Code, Section 42 USC 14501 also offers volunteers in nonprofit organizations, such as SCORE, immunity from liability from acts of negligence, provided the volunteer is acting within the scope of his/her duties and harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct or while operating a vehicle. This coverage does not extend to contractors or third parties.

In addition, the law contains other provisions and benefits for SCORE volunteers. They include:

• The personal protections that federal employees have under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) if SCORE volunteers are accused of negligent or wrongful acts while engaged in SCORE activities and thereby become liable for damages to the claimant.
• The benefits federal employees have for compensation under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) should a volunteer be injured or killed while engaged in SCORE work. (See Work Injuries below for more information.)
• Declaring that reimbursement to SCORE volunteers for expenses incurred in their provision of SCORE services is not compensation or wages for tax or other purposes.